Strollin’ In Search of “Spring Things”

The only problem with spring in East Tennessee is that it’s a short season. We start cold and wet, then warm up in a nanosecond. Nevertheless, while cold is not good, wet produces some stunning scenery in the way of flowering trees, shrubs, and plants.

We had several big rain events this week, and other than spending an hour or so at my exercise class celebrating an early St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, I remained shut in and felt claustrophobic. This morning, things are better. The rain moved out, and I’m ready for a walk. With the camera in one hand and Mortimer’s leash in the other, we’re strolling through the neighborhood in search of signs of spring. Join us.

We’re just a few yards from the end of our driveway and standing on the edge of Chris and Dianne’s yard. Chris and Dianne are somewhere warm for a few days—I doubt they’re missing the blooming Hyacinths in their backyard, but I’ll take a picture of it and send it to them anyway. Mortimer takes a quick sniff and walks away. I love the deep blue.

About a hundred yards down the street, we admire Rita’s blooming forsythia. It has fully bloomed out and stands picture-worthy. We think it is near its peak. Our clue is the few green leaves that are beginning to show.  

At the end of our street, we turn left and start up the hill, walking around the clubhouse and swimming pool. It won’t be long before the pool is open and summer begins. I suppress the thought—let’s enjoy spring weather while we can. We spot Julie’s gorgeous daffodils and walk over for a closer look. After capturing the flowers, I spot some spring splendor behind her front gate. Mortimer and I dub it her secret garden. Julie is away, but I’ll send her the pictures.

By now, we are at the top of our hill and catch a glimpse of Ann’s budding Redbud. Redbuds throughout East Tennessee are in various stages of bloom; Ann’s has decided to spring forth slowly, somewhat akin to a Tennessee Waltz. Her Lenten Roses, however, are putting on quite a show.  I sneak closer to her house to get a better look.

Mortimer and I turn left at Ann’s and walk toward the entrance to our neighborhood. As we turn left again and begin the walk home, I notice the Bradford Pears that line the road up the hill. The recent rains have clipped some blossoms, but the trees still stand proudly, strutting their stuff. I’m thinking, “Ahh, spring…”

Back down the hill and nearing home, I glance upward at a sign of things to come. Ken and Gail have a Weeping Cherry in their yard that glows in full bloom. A few blossoms are out now to tease us, but if we’re patient, our reward will come soon in a dazzling display of bright pink. I’ll share it on Easin’ Along Facebook when that day arrives.

We’re home. Mortimer is now panting and ready to sprawl on the floor and take a morning nap. I’m feeling great and ready to take on the day. I’ve escaped the rain-induced confinement and have taken in the promise of another East Tennessee spring. We hope you enjoyed the stroll–Mortimer and I are so glad you could join us.

We’re Easin’ Along.